Microstructures formation in a seemingly ideal homogeneous mixture of ethanol and methanol: An experimental evidence and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy approach

J Chem Phys. 2009 Aug 28;131(8):084501. doi: 10.1063/1.3206913.

Abstract

An anomalous solution behavior at the molecular scale was observed for macroscopically homogeneous mixtures of methanol and ethanol. Two-dimensional Raman correlation spectroscopy was used to elucidate the possible existence of microstructures formed in the mixture. The result suggests that separate methanol and ethanol clusters are formed without heterohydrogen bonding between different alcohol species. Supramolecular structures seem to be formed by the interaction of such clusters with each other through cohesion and dispersion forces, but not through direct hydrogen bonding connections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ethanol / chemistry*
  • Methanol / chemistry*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman

Substances

  • Ethanol
  • Methanol